Accessibility is a crucial aspect of creating digital products that can be used by as many people as possible. When designing a digital product, it’s important to consider accessibility so that everyone, including those with disabilities, can access and use the product with ease. In this blog post, we will discuss five simple ways to make your digital product more accessible.
Use Clear and Consistent Language
One of the most important aspects of accessibility is language. Your digital product should be clear and concise, with easy-to-understand language that’s consistent throughout the product. Avoid using technical jargon, and make sure that your product is written in plain language that’s easy to read and understand. Use simple sentence structures and avoid using complex terms that might confuse your users.
Provide Alternative Text for Images and Other Visual Elements
Alternative text, or alt text, is a description of an image that is read by a screen reader for users who are visually impaired. Providing alt text for images and other visual elements in your digital product is crucial for accessibility for those with visual impairments. Make sure that your alt text is descriptive and accurate, and that it provides enough information for users to understand the content of the image.
Ensure Keyboard Navigation
Keyboard navigation is essential for users who cannot use a mouse or trackpad to navigate your digital product. Make sure that all functionality is accessible via the keyboard. Users should be able to access all interactive elements, such as buttons and links, using only the keyboard.
Use High Contrast Color Schemes
High contrast color schemes are essential for users with low vision or color blindness. Make sure that your digital product uses high contrast colors so that text and other elements stand out clearly. Use dark colors on light backgrounds and light colors on dark backgrounds to ensure maximum readability.
Provide Closed Captioning for Videos
Finally, if your digital product includes videos, it’s essential to provide closed captioning for users who are deaf or hard of hearing. Closed captioning provides a written transcript of the audio in the video, making it accessible to all users. Make sure that your closed captioning is accurate and synchronized with the video content.
Conclusion
In conclusion, accessibility is a crucial aspect of digital product design. By using clear language, providing alternative text for images, ensuring keyboard navigation, using high contrast color schemes, and providing closed captioning for videos, you can make your digital product more accessible to all users. By incorporating these simple techniques, you can create a more inclusive digital product that can be used by everyone.
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About the Author: Elise Rodriguez
Elise is the Editor of Content and Communications at Userlytics. Prior to joining Userlytics’ content team, Elise worked in the public relations field, and helped develop communications materials for companies in a variety of industries, including health and beauty, travel / transportation, and sports / entertainment. Elise has her BS in public relations, and her Master’s degree in business management. When Elise isn’t writing about new product features at Userlytics, she enjoys singing and making music, yoga, and spending time at home with her two cats.
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